Protective electrical wiring device with a center nightlight

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a de-energizeci state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/609,793 filed on Dec. 12, 2006 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/998,369 filed on Nov. 29, 2004, the content of which is relied uponand incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/998,369 claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,275, thisapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/294,167 filed on Dec. 5, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/242,406 (NowU.S. Pat. No. 7,285,721) filed on Oct. 3, 2005, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,128 filed on Dec.2, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,489), the contents of which are reliedupon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/726,128 claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/439,370 filedJan. 9, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring devices,and particularly to electrical wiring devices having safety features.

2. Technical Background

The AC power interface for the typical electrical distribution system iscommonly known as the breaker panel. The size of the breaker panel mayvary depending on whether it is disposed within a residence, commercialbuilding or some other such facility. The breaker panel, of course,terminates the AC power service provided by the power utility anddistributes AC power to one or more branch electric circuits installedin the structure. Branch electric circuits often include one or moreelectrical wiring devices, such as receptacle outlets, that accommodateelectrical power plugs.

Electrical wiring devices are provided in electrically non-conductivehousings. The housing includes electrical line terminals that areelectrically insulated from electrical load terminals. The lineterminals connect the wiring device to conductive wires from the breakerpanel. Load terminals are connected to downstream wiring that isconfigured to propagate AC power to one or more downstream electricalloads. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will understand thatthe term “load” refers to an appliance, a switch, or some otherelectrically powered device. The load terminals of an electrical wiringdevice are sometimes referred to as “feed-through” terminals. As alludedto above, the AC power propagating through a device may be accessed bythe user by way of a power plug. As everyone knows, the power plug andcord assembly for a portable electrical device functions as a portabledevice's AC power interface. A receptacle outlet provide power toportable “user-accessible loads” when the plug is inserted into areceptacle outlet. Certain types of faults are known to occur in branchelectric circuits and electrical wiring systems. These faults representserious safety issues that may result in fire, shock or electrocution ifnot addressed properly.

Accordingly, branch electric circuits typically employ one or moreelectric circuit protection devices. Protective devices employ a circuitinterrupter disposed between the line terminals and the load terminals.The circuit interrupter provides power to the load terminals undernormal conditions, but breaks electrical connectivity when theprotective device detects a fault condition in the load circuit. Thereare several types of electric circuit protection devices includingground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), ground-fault equipmentprotectors (GFEPs), arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), transientvoltage surge suppressors (TVSSs), or surge protective devices (SPDs).This list includes representative examples and is not meant to beexhaustive. Some devices include both GFCIs and AFCIs. As their namessuggest, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), ground-fault equipmentprotectors (GFEPs) ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), transientvoltage surge suppressors (TVSSs), or surge protective devices (SPD's)perform different functions. Electric circuit protective devices may bedisposed within a circuit breaker that provides overcurrent protection,receptacle outlets, plugs, etc. Portable electrical wiring devices,e.g., hair dryers, etc., may also have a protective device disposedtherein.

Another safety issue that is of great concern relates to the amount ofambient lighting in a given room or space. In a scenario that mostpeople are familiar with, a person entering a darkened room will usuallyattempt to locate the wall switch and turn the wall switch to the ONposition before entering. Sometimes the wall switch is not located nearthe door, i.e., at the point of entry, and the person will begin tosearch for the light switch. This person begins to “feel” her way aroundthe darkened room in an attempt to navigate around objects such astables and chairs. More often than not, the person successfully findsthe wall switch and manages to turn the lights ON. On the other hand,the darkened room represents a safety issue. For example, if an objectis disposed relatively low to the floor surface the person may trip overit and suffer an injury. This scenario applies to other types of spaces,such as corridors, theater aisles, stairways, patios, garages,ingress/egress areas, out-buildings, outdoor pathways and the like.

There are situations where a light switch is not available, or is notreadily available. There are other situations where the person enteringthe darkened room is disinclined to turn the lights ON as a matter ofcourtesy. Several examples immediately come to mind. A person entering adarkened theatre would expect to incur the wrath of his fellow patronsif he turned the theatre lights ON while finding a seat. In anothersituation, a person may desire to temporarily enter a room occupied by aperson who is sleeping. For example, a parent may want to check on thecondition of a sleeping infant, or tend to someone who is ill, withouthaving to turn the lights ON.

In one approach that has been considered, a portable lighting device maybe inserted into an electrical receptacle located in the room tofunction as a “night light.” While this arrangement may provide atemporarily solution to the potentially unsafe condition describedabove, it has certain drawbacks associated with it. The most obviousdrawback in getting the portable nightlight into a socket in a darkenedroom is finding the socket in the first place. While this problem may beeliminated with forethought, many people live busy lives and have otherthings on their minds. On the other hand, once the night light isinserted into the receptacle, it may remain there day and night for anextended period of time and represent a waste of energy. After awhile,the resident may notice the problem and unplug the light during daylighthours if the space admits natural light. Unfortunately, the resident mayforget to plug the light back into the socket until after night fall andfinds himself revisiting the darkened room scenario. In addition, once asmall night light is unplugged from the receptacle there is thepossibility that it will become lost, misplaced, or damaged fromexcessive handling.

In another approach that has been considered, a light element may bedisposed in a wiring device in combination with another functionalelement such as a receptacle or a light switch. The wiring device issubsequently installed in a wall box or mounted to a panel. While thisapproach obviates some of the drawbacks described above, there are otherdrawbacks that come into play. Conventional permanent lighting elementssuch as incandescent and neon lights have a relatively short lifeexpectancy of only a few years and, therefore, require periodicservicing and/or replacement. This problem is exacerbated by the factthat the light is typically hard-wired to power contacts disposed in thewiring device. As such, the light element is permanently ON, furtherlimiting the light elements life expectancy of the device.

In yet another approach that has been considered, the aforementioneddrawbacks are addressed by providing a light sensor, and the associatedcircuitry, to control the light element. When the sensor detects theambient light level falling past a certain point, the control circuitturns the light element ON. One design problem associated with using alight sensor to selectively actuate the light element relates toproviding a proper degree of isolation between the light sensor and thelight element. Conventional devices solve the problem by separating thelight sensor and the light element by as great a distance as possible.As such, conventional devices are typically arranged such that the lenscovering the light element is disposed in one portion of the wiringdevice cover and the sensor element is disposed in a second portion ofthe cover, with sufficient space therebetween. If the wiring deviceincludes another functional element such as a receptacle, the sensor maybe disposed between the receptacle and the light's lens cover. Becausethe light sensor must be disposed a sufficient distance away from thelight element, it necessarily requires that the lighting assembly bereduced in size to fit the wiring device form factor. Accordingly,conventional devices of this type often fail to provide an adequateamount of illumination for the intended application and, therefore, donot address the safety concern in a satisfactory manner.

What is needed is an electrical wiring device that includes a lightsource that is both adapted to a wiring device form factor andconfigured to address the drawbacks and needs described above. A lightemitting wiring device is needed that provides a sufficient amount ofillumination when the ambient light in a given space falls below a safelevel. The wiring device must maximize the effective area ofillumination without sacrificing sensor isolation. What is also neededis a wiring device that addresses both safety issues, i.e., electricalfault conditions as well as ambient lighting issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the needs described above by providingan electrical wiring device that includes a light source that is bothadapted to a wiring device form factor and configured to address thedrawbacks and needs described above. The wiring device of the presentinvention may be configured to address both safety issues, i.e.,electrical fault conditions as well as ambient lighting issues.

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a electrical wiringdevice that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals anda plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals includinga plurality of receptacle terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to thehousing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacleopenings disposed on either side of a central portion of the coverassembly. Each of the at least one set of receptacle openings is incommunication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. Afault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals.The fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detectionoutput in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupteris coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality ofload terminals. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of contactsconfigured to provide at least one electrically continuous path betweenthe plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in areset state. The first set of contacts is configured to disconnect theat least one electrically continuous path in response to the faultdetection output to thereby enter a tripped state. A light assembly iscoupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of loadterminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposedin the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width ofthe cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from adeenergized state to a light emitting state in response to apredetermined stimulus.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe detailed description which follows, and in part will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognizedby practicing the invention as described herein, including the detaileddescription which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary of theinvention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework forunderstanding the nature and character of the invention as it isclaimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodimentsof the invention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the electrical wiring device in accordance witha first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 without thecover assembly or back body;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shutter assembly optionally employedin conjunction with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 without thecenter night light lens;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fully assembled device shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the electrical wiring device in accordance witha second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the center night light assembly in accordancewith the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the electrical wiring device in accordancewith a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the center night light assembly inaccordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of the center night light assembly in accordancewith the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of an alternate center night light circuit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic of yet another alternate center night lightassembly in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the fully assembled device inaccordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.An exemplary embodiment of the electrical wiring device of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 2, and is designated generally throughout byreference numeral 10.

As embodied herein, and depicted in FIG. 1, a schematic 100 of anelectrical wiring device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed. In this example, the schematic shows aprotective device that includes ground fault interrupter circuitry.Device 10 includes line terminals (2, 4), load terminals (6, 8), andreceptacle terminals (300, 320). Again, the load terminals 6, 8 may alsobe referred to herein as feed-through terminals. As noted above, theseterminals may be connected to wiring configured to provide power todownstream receptacles or switches. Receptacle load terminals 300, 320are configured to mate with an electrical plug to provide power to anappliance or other such user attachable loads. The line terminals 2, 4are electrically connected to both load terminals 6, 8 and receptacleterminals 300, 320 when device 10 is reset. When in the tripped state,the circuit interrupter 120 disconnects the load terminals from the lineterminals. In addition, the circuit interrupter may disconnect at leastone feed-through terminal from a corresponding receptacle terminal.

The ground fault circuitry includes a differential transformer 102 whichis configured to sense load-side ground faults. Transformer 104 isconfigured as a grounded neutral transmitter and is employed to sensegrounded-neutral fault conditions. Both differential transformer 102 andgrounded-neutral transformer 104 are coupled to detector circuit 106.Power supply 112 provides power for GFI detector circuit 106. Note thatin this embodiment, the lighting assembly 200 is disposed in series withpower supply 112. The light assembly 200 will be described in greaterdetail below. Referring back to the operation of the detection circuit,detector 106 provides an output signal on output pin 7 based on thetransformer outputs. The detector output signal is filtered by circuit108. Filter circuit 108 filters out noise to thereby substantiallyreduce the possibility of false tripping. The filtered output signal isprovided to the control input of SCR 110. When SCR 110 is turned ON,solenoid 116 is energized. Solenoid 116 actuates the trip mechanism tothereby trip circuit interrupter 120. The trip solenoid 116 is energizeduntil the circuit interrupter trips to remove the fault condition.Accordingly, there is no signal at output pin 7 and SCR 110 is turnedOFF. The time that the solenoid remains energized is less than about 25milliseconds. After the fault condition has been eliminated, circuitinterrupter 120 may be reset by way of reset button 260.

Although FIG. 1 has disclosed a ground fault circuit interruptercircuit, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited to GFCIs. Thepresent invention is suitable for use in other types of protectivedevices such as AFCIs. For example, the sensor in an AFCI is similar totransformer 102 but is typically configured to sense load current by wayof a toroidal transformer or a shunt and/or line voltage by way of avoltage divider. The detector in an AFCI is similar to detector 106 butis configured to detect an arc fault condition on the basis of frequencyspectra or high frequency noise bursts. Once an arc fault condition isdetected, a signal is sent in a similar manner to an SCR which in turnactivates a trip mechanism to trip the circuit interrupter. The TVSS(SPD) is another example of a protective device. During a lightningstorm, the TVSS (SPD) limits the voltages in the distribution system toa safe level. The TVSS includes a voltage surge suppressing structurebetween hot and neutral terminals such as spark gap 130. Surgesuppressing devices may be disposed between hot and ground terminals orbetween neutral and ground terminals. The surge suppressing device(s)are selected from a family of devices that includes spark gaps, MOVs,varistors, capacitors, avalanche and devices. More than one surgesuppressing component may be disposed between a pair of terminals. Thusthe spirit of the invention disclosed herein applies to GFCIs and toprotective devices in general.

The present invention addresses certain end of life conditions bydenying power when the device is unable to function. One end of lifecondition may cause the solenoid to remain energized when a faultcondition is not present or when the circuit interrupter is in a trippedstate. The solenoid is susceptible to burn-out when SCR 110 ispermanently ON. This typically happens when SCR 110 is permanentlyshorted out. Most solenoids are configured to be energized onlymomentarily. They tend to burn out if energized for more than about 1second. Once the solenoid burns out, the circuit interrupter isincapable of being tripped. As a result, the load terminals arepermanently connected to the line terminals even when there is a faultcondition.

In this embodiment, solenoid burn-out is prevented by an auxiliaryswitch 114. Auxiliary switch 114 is configured to open when circuitinterrupter 120 is in the tripped position. If SCR 110 is shorted, or ispermanently ON, auxiliary switch 114 ensures that solenoid 116 is notpermanently connected to a current source. Accordingly, if reset button260 is activated, circuit interrupter 120 resets but immediately tripsin response to the trip mechanism, which in turn moves auxiliary switch114 to the open position before solenoid 116 is able to burn out.

The auxiliary switch 114 provides other benefits. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that a metal oxide varistor (MOV) isfrequently employed in protective devices to protect the electricalcircuit from voltage surges that sometimes occur in the electricaldistribution system. The end-of-life failure mode of a MOV is typicallyan electrical short. The resulting current can be enough to thermallydamage the enclosure of the protective device. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, MOV 118 is connected in series with auxiliary switch114 and trip solenoid 116 to eliminate most over-current situations.Thus, when MOV 118 reaches end of life and shorts out, trip solenoid 116is energized to open auxiliary switch 114 and the flow of short circuitcurrent is terminated before any damage ensues.

As noted above, the light assembly 200 is disposed in series with powersupply 112. The schematic shows that the light assembly 200 includes atleast two light emitting diodes 202. As such, light emitting diodes 202are energized when the circuit interrupter 120 is reset and deenergizedwhen the device is tripped. Thus, the light assembly 200 functions as areset indicator in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the device 10 embodying theschematic provided in FIG. 1 is shown. The device housing includes aback body 12 and separator member 14. The electromechanical componentsforming GFCI 100 are disposed therebetween. The GFCI 100 is insertedinto back body 12 such that the line terminals (2, 4) and the loadterminals (6, 8) are accessible to the installer. The spark gapstructure 130 is disposed between the line terminals (2, 4). Theseparator is a molded member configured to accommodate both the variousGFCI structures disposed underneath it as well as the receptacleterminal structures (30, 32) disposed above.

The neutral receptacle terminal structure 30 includes neutral facereceptacle terminals 300 and a fixed contact 302. The terminal structure30 is disposed in alignment slots formed in the separator 14 such thatfixed contact 302 extends through separator 14 in alignment with thecantilevered line and load contacts in GFCI 100. The cantileveredstructure is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The hot receptaclestructure 32 is the mirror image of the neutral receptacle structure,and therefore, includes hot face receptacle terminals 320 and hot fixedcontact 322. The ground strap 16 is also mounted within separator 14.The ground strap 16 includes an offset feature 162. The amount of offsetroughly corresponds to the thickness of the tamper-resistant shuttermechanism 18. The offset 162 accommodates the thickness of the shuttermechanism 18 such that the front surface of the cover assembly 20 isflush with the wall plate after the device 10 is installed.

In this embodiment, LEDs 202 are connected to the printed circuit board101 via pigtail wires (not shown for clarity of illustration) thatextend through the separator 14. The LEDs 202 are inserted into areflector portion 204 formed within the front cover assembly. Reflector204 is described in greater detail below.

The cover assembly 20 includes face receptacle openings 22 disposed ateither end thereof. A test button opening 24, reset button opening 26,and night light opening 208 are disposed in the surface area between thereceptacle openings 22. Obviously, the test button opening 24accommodates the test button 240 and the reset opening 26 accommodatesthe reset button 260. The night light opening 208 extends acrosssubstantially the entire width of mesa 21, which is the raised portionof the cover member 20. The night light is configured to accommodatelens element 206. Of course, the reflector member 204 is coupled to theunderside of the cover 20 within opening 208.

The reset button 260 includes a stem portion 262 and coil spring 264that extend through strap 16 and into the latch block disposed in GFCI100. Therefore, the reset button is disposed on the central longitudinalaxis of the device alongside the night light opening 208. The testbutton 240 is disposed alongside the reset button 260 on one side of thecentral latitudinal axis opposite the night light opening 208, which isdisposed on the other side of the axis The major axis of the useraccessible surfaces of the test and reset buttons are substantiallynormal to each other.

Turning now to the structure of the lighting assembly 200, in oneembodiment, the reflector is a molded portion of the front cover. Ofcourse, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thereflector 204 may be formed separately and snapped into place withinopening 208 of front cover 20. The interior surface of the reflector 204may be imbued with its reflective quality using any suitable method. Forexample, the surface may be formed using a relatively shiny whiteplastic material that is naturally reflective. The surface may bepolished like a mirror. A reflective surface may be disposed over aplastic surface by painting or plating techniques known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Of course, separator 14 includes aperturesdisposed therein (not shown) that accommodate the LEDs 202. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that there may be one or moreLEDs 202 employed within the scope of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the LEDs are implemented using white LEDs that have aminimum 100° viewing angle. The amount of light emitted by each LED onits optical axis is greater than about 500 MCD (millicandelas). Thereflector and lens are configured so that the intensity of the lightemitted by LEDs 202 into a region of space surrounding device 10 isgreater than about 20 millifootcandles. In another embodiment, theintensity of the emitted light is greater than about 50millifootcandles.

Lens 206 is substantially flush with the front surface of the covermember 20. As noted previously, lens 206 extends across the full widthof the front cover member 20. In one embodiment, the surface area oflens 206 measures 0.300 inches by 1.160 inches. Lens 206 isapproximately 0.14 inches thick. If the separator is molded into thefront cover 20, lens 206 snaps into opening 208 from the top. In analternate embodiment (see FIG. 9), lens 206 has a “U-shaped”cross-section, having the same cross-sectional profile as “mesa” 21formed in front cover 20. Lens 206 wraps around mesa 21 when it isinserted from above. Lens 206 may have lenticular lens elements formedon the interior surface disposed adjacent to the LEDs 202. As those ofordinary skill in the art will understand, lenticular lens elementsdiffuse incident light to thereby provide uniform illumination.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the combination ofthe LEDs 202, plug tail wires, separator 204, and lens 206 may beinstalled as a single unit that is snapped into the front cover.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the GFCI 100 portion ofdevice 10 is shown with the back body 12, separator 14, and cover member20 not shown. Of particular note is the position of the receptacleterminal structures (30, 32) with respect to the line and loadcantilevers. Neutral line terminal 4 includes a line terminal whichextends into the interior of the GFCI device. The neutral linecantilever includes contact 122 disposed at the end thereof. Neutralload terminal 8 also includes a cantilever having dual contact 126 atthe end thereof. Contacts 122 and 126 are vertically aligned with fixedcontact 302. Only hot fixed contact 322 may be seen on the “hot side ofthe circuit interrupting structure. However, those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that the hot interrupting contacts (124, 128322) and the neutral interrupting contacts (122, 126, 302) form thefour-pole circuit interrupter 120 that is shown schematically in FIG. 1.The LEDs 202 (lighting assembly 200) appear to be suspended in space inFIG. 3. In actuality, the LEDs 202 are connected to printed circuitboard 101 via pig tail wires that are not shown in this view for clarityof illustration.

As embodied herein and depicted in FIG. 4, a perspective view of theshutter assembly optionally employed in the first embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Reference is made to U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 10/729,685, 10/900,778, and 11/609,793, which are incorporatedherein by reference as though fully set forth in its entirety, for amore detailed explanation of various embodiments of the protectiveshutter assembly 18. The shutter assembly may be optionally employed inany of the embodiments disclosed herein.

When assembled, the upper shutter 190 is inserted into lower shutter 170until stop members 1920 extend beyond rail guides 1782 and snap intoplace. This position represents the closed position, wherein the uppertransverse structure 196 covers neutral aperture 174 (not shown) andupper base 198 covers hot aperture 176 (not shown). The lower shuttermember 170 and the upper shutter member 190 are movable relative to eachother from the closed position to the open position in response to beingsimultaneously engaged by the hot plug blade and the neutral plug bladeof an electrical plug. To facilitate this movement, shutter members(170,190) are made from a family of plastics having natural lubricity.These include nylon 6-6, Delrin, and Teflon. Shutter members (170,190)may be made from a substrate on which these materials are coated, thesubstrate having a differing flammability or flexural characteristic.

If a foreign object having a width substantially the same as a hot plugblade is inserted into the hot receptacle opening, the shutter assemblyremains closed. The foreign object causes ramp 1784, and therefore,lower shutter 170, to move. However, this foreign object insertion doesnot cause upper shutter 190 to move relative to shutter 170. As aresult, the foreign object inserted into the hot receptacle openingstrikes base member 198 of the upper shutter. On the other hand, if aforeign object having a width substantially the same as a neutral plugblade is inserted into the neutral receptacle opening, transversestructure 196 will move upper shutter 190 but not move lower shutter170. Accordingly, the lower base member 173 does not move and theneutral aperture 174 (not shown) is not exposed. Thus, the foreignobject inserted into the neutral receptacle opening strikes lower basemember 173.

Only when the hot plug blade and the neutral plug blade of an electricalplug simultaneously engage ramp 1784 and ramp 1962, respectively, willthe lower shutter member 170 and the upper shutter member 190 moverelative to each other from the closed position to the open position. Inthe open position, the lower hot aperture 176 is aligned with the upperhot contact aperture 194 and, the inward edge of the lower neutralcontact aperture 174 is substantially aligned with the outer edge oframp 1962. In this position, the lower shutter 170 and the upper shutter190 allow the plug contact blades to pass through the protective shutter18 and engage the contacts disposed in the interior of the electricalwiring device. On the other hand, a foreign object such as a hairpin islikely to slide off of either side of ramp 1784 or ramp 1962. Obviously,if the foreign object has slid off the ramp, force cannot be applied tothe object to open the corresponding shutter.

In another embodiment, the predetermined electrical plug geometry thatopens the shutters may include only some of the characteristics thathave been described. The geometry may include just one or more of thefollowing: two plug blades separated by a predetermined distance, plugblades contacting the two blade structures simultaneously, a neutralplug blade having a predetermined width, or a hot plug blade having apredetermined width. Plug blade width will not matter if ramps 284and/or 462 approach the widths of their respective contact structures.

In another embodiment, shutters (170, 190) open in response to theinsertion of two objects without particular heed given to theirgeometries. This may be accomplished by extending the widths of ramp1784 and ramp 1962 so that regardless of the sizes of the objects, thereis nowhere for either or both objects escaping the ramps as they areinserted into the device. As such, it is assured that the two shutterswill open.

The movement of the upper shutter 190 and the lower shutter 170 iseffected by spring member 180. The spring member 180 is configured tobias the frameless shutter sub-assembly, i.e., lower shutter 170 andupper shutter 190, in the closed position. Spring member 180 iscompressed further in the open position and, therefore, opposes movementof the frameless shutter sub-assembly from the closed position to theopen position. Accordingly when the electrical plug is removed, thespring moves the frameless shutter sub-assembly from the open positionto the closed position. Stated differently, only a single spring isnecessary to effect the closed position of the shutter assembly.

As alluded to above, the protective shutter assembly 18 includes aspring retainer mechanism. The spring retainer mechanism includes lowershutter retainer pocket 1780 and upper shutter retainer pocket 1960. Thespring retainer mechanism is configured to retain the spring member 180within the frameless shutter sub-assembly and substantially prevent thespring member from being separated from the frameless shuttersub-assembly. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, theprotective shutter assembly 18 may be dropped and/or exposed tovibrational and/or mechanical forces during automated assembly. As shownin FIG. 4, retainer pockets (1780, 1960) are equipped with retainer lipsthat prevent the spring member from being jarred loose.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of device 10 without the centernight light lens 206 is shown. This view clearly shows reflector member204 disposed within the front cover member 20. In the embodiment shown,two LEDs 202 are disposed within the reflector member 204. The “bathtub”shape of the interior surface of the reflector is configured to redirectlight emitted from the side portions of LEDs 202 out from opening 208.As noted above, the reset button 260 and test button 240 are disposedadjacent to the light assembly 200 in the manner previously described.FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fully assembled device with lenselement 206 in place. The lens element is substantially flush withrespect to the front surface of cover member 20.

As embodied herein, and depicted in FIG. 7, a schematic of a circuitprotection device 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed. The schematic shown in FIG. 7 is almostidentical to the one shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the lighting assembly200 is disposed between resistors R7 and R8. In FIG. 7, light assembly200 is not included in the power supply circuit 112. The power supplyincludes diode D1, and resistors R6, R7, and R8 in series. In thissecond embodiment, the hot receptacle terminal structure 32 is connectedto the light assembly 200 by way of connection “A”. The neutralreceptacle terminal structure 30 is connected to the light assembly 200by way of connection “B”. Because the other elements in the schematicshown in FIG. 7 are identical to FIG. 1, the description of the circuitis not repeated for brevity's sake.

Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic of the center night light assembly 200in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention isshown. As shown in FIG. 7, connection “B” is connected to the neutralreceptacle terminal structure 30. The light assembly circuit 200includes a current rectifying diode D1 in series with LEDs 202 andcurrent limiting resistors R80, and R82. Comparing FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, itbecomes apparent to those skilled in the art that the lighting assembly200 again functions as a reset indicator. When the device is in thereset state, LEDs 202 are ON. When the device is tripped, the LEDs 202are OFF.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention previously discussed relative to FIGS. 7-8. FIG. 9 is verysimilar to the exploded view previously shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, adescription of like features is omitted for brevity's sake and only thedifferences are explained. In the second embodiment, lens 206 has a“U-shaped” cross section similar to the cross-sectional profile as“mesa” 21 formed in front cover 20. Lens 206 wraps around mesa 21 whenit is inserted into opening 208 from above. Another difference betweenthe first embodiment and the second embodiment relates to the lightassembly 200 implementation. In the second embodiment, the lightassembly 200 is disposed on a satellite printed circuit board 201.Connection points “A” and “B” are implemented as soldered pig tail wiresdisposed between PCB 201 and the terminal structures 30, 32.

As embodied herein and depicted in FIG. 10, a schematic of a circuitprotection device 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed. The schematic shown in FIG. 10 is verysimilar to the schematics provided in FIGS. 1 and 7. Again, in FIG. 10,light assembly 200 is not included in the power supply circuit 112. Likethe second embodiment, the hot receptacle terminal structure 32 isconnected to the light assembly 200 by way of connection “A”. Theneutral receptacle terminal structure 30 is connected to the lightassembly 200 by way of connection “B”. Any description of the circuitelements (FIG. 10) that are identical to those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.7 would be repetitious and superfluous, and therefore, is omitted.

The third embodiment includes an additional indicator 150 disposed inparallel with auxiliary switch 114. As noted above, the auxiliary switch114 is configured to open when circuit interrupter 120 is in the trippedposition. If SCR 110 is shorted, or is permanently ON, auxiliary switch114 ensures that solenoid 116 is not permanently connected to a currentsource. Accordingly, if reset button 260 is activated, circuitinterrupter 120 resets but immediately trips in response to the tripmechanism, which in turn moves auxiliary switch 114 to the open positionbefore solenoid 116 is able to burn out. The indicator 150 isimplemented as a trip indicator, emitting a visual and/or audibleindicator signal when circuit interrupter 120 is in the tripped state,i.e., when the auxiliary switch 114 is open. The trip indicator LED 150,therefore, is energized when there is power on the line terminals andthe circuit interrupter is in the tripped condition. The indicator 150is OFF when device 10 is in the reset state. Indicator 150 may beimplemented as a red LED or as an audible indicator, or both. Theindicator may also be configured to emit a repetitive signal (flashingor beeping).

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, cover 20 includes indicator opening 28 for indicator 150.Indicator 150, which is disposed on the main PCB 101, is in opticalcommunication with opening 28 by way of light pipe 152. Notched opening27 accommodates lens window element 270. Lens 270 is configured to coverthe ambient light sensor 212. The window lens 270 may be implementedusing a translucent “wrap-around” lens of the type shown in FIG. 11, oralternatively, the front cover 20 may include an integral translucentlens portion. In any event, lens 270 is configured to direct the ambientlight in the spatial volume proximate device 10 toward ambient lightsensor 212.

The window or lens are disposed in the front user accessible surface ofthe device, or alternatively, may “wrap around” the edge of the useraccessible surface. Reference is made to U.S. patent application No.(905P300), which is incorporated herein by reference as though fully setforth in its entirety, for a more detailed explanation of the sensorlens element 270. Ambient light is transmitted to the ambient lightsensor 212 by way of the two outer surfaces of the wrap-around lens.These two surfaces are approximately normal to each another. An opticalblocking structure is included such that light sensor 212 receivesambient light but not light emitted by light assembly 212. In oneapproach, reflector member 204 is made out of an opaque material. Inanother, the inner (or outer surfaces) of the reflector member arepainted or plated with an opaque material. In another, the ambient lightsensor 212 is mounted such that the printed circuit board 201 serves asa blocking structure. In another, the light blocking structure isconnected to (or integral to) the front cover 20 or separator member 14.In another, lens 270 includes a light pipe disposed to couple ambientlight, instead of light generated by the wiring device, to the lightsensor. In yet another, the wrap-around lens is configured for sensingambient light predominantly from the side surface of front cover 20.This configuration reduces the likelihood that reflected light from lens206 will pollute the ambient light.

Referring to FIG. 12, a detail perspective view of the center nightlight assembly 200 in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. As shown, white LEDs 202 are connected toPCB 201. PCB 201 is disposed between terminal structure 30 and terminalstructure 32 in the manner shown. The pig tail connections (A, B) arenot shown in this view.

The main PCB 101 may be manufactured in a “six up array.” PCB 101 has anon-rectangular shape, necessitating the removal of excess printedcircuit board material. This material is typically wasted. However, thesize of the waste regions are big enough to be used as satellite boards201. Thus, the use of the satellite boards represents an efficient useof material.

Note that the test button 240 is coupled to PCB 201 via compressionspring 244. Moveable switch member 242 is connected to test button 240.Switch member 242 is formed from an electrically conductive materialthat need not be flexible. Spring 244 biases test switch member 242 inthe open position. In the open position, there is an air gap betweencontact 2420 and one end of the switch member, and another between hotreceptacle contact structure 32 and the other end of switch member 242.When the test button is depressed, the test switch is closed. Switchmember 242 bridges hot receptacle terminal 32 and contact 2420. Contact2420, of course, is coupled to the neutral line conductor in the mannershown in FIG. 7. This structure facilitates the novel arrangement of thetest button, reset button 260, and the light assembly within the centerportion of the cover assembly 20. Because of the added functionality inthe third embodiment, there is not enough room in the device for acantilever beam actuated by the test button. Instead of a cantilever, acompression switch structure 242 is included. This switch mechanism hastwo advantages. First, it is more compact than a cantilever structure.Second, by virtue of the switch closing two air gaps instead of one airgap, the test button need only travel half the distance to makeconnection. The reduced distance is important because the compact switchstructure does not provide the mechanical advantage that is provided bythe traditional cantilever test blade. As shown in the schematic (FIG.10), the test switch is connected in series with resistor R1, typically15K Ohms. Reference is made to U.S. patent application No. 905P185,which is incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth inits entirety, for a more detailed explanation of a dual air gap testbutton switch.

Referring to FIG. 13, a schematic of the center night light assembly inaccordance with the third embodiment of the present invention is shown.Again, the satellite PCB 201 receives power from the receptacleterminals 30, 32, which are connected at points “A” and “B”,respectively. When the ambient light is above a certain level, lightsensor 212 reacts to the ambient light level and diode D3 begins toconduct. In one embodiment, sensor 212 is implemented using a lightsensing diode and the amount of current conducted by sensor 212 isrelated to the amount of incident ambient light. As the ambient lightincreases past a predetermined level, which may be adjusted bypotentiometer R6 in the factory, the Darlington transistor pair (Q1, Q2)are turned OFF. In particular, the current flow through D4 pulls downthe base of transistor Q1. Q1, in turn, pulls down the base of Q2. Whenthe ambient light begins to decrease, e.g., as night falls, the currentflowing through sensor 212 begins to decrease accordingly. At somepredetermined ambient light level, the current flowing through sensor212 diminishes to the point where a current flow through diode D3 andresistor R1 is established. Subsequently, the transistors Q1 and Q2 areturned ON collector/emitter current in Q2 flows energizing LEDs 202.

In the schematic shown in FIG. 13, a dimmer potentiometer 216 isprovided, allowing the user to adjust the brightness of the LEDs 202. Inanother embodiment, light sensor 212 may be implemented using a lightsensing variable resistor. In this embodiment, sensor 212 and resistor214 function as a voltage divider. Therefore, the voltage presented todiode D3 changes in accordance with the variable resistance of sensor212. Additional features and benefits may be included. For example, thecircuit may be configured to provide hysteresis. For example, the amountof ambient light at which LEDs 202 turn ON may differ from the amount ofambient light at which LEDs 202 turn OFF in accordance with the selectedhysteresis curve. LEDs 202 can only be energized when two conditions aremet. Device 10 must be reset and the ambient light level must fall belowa predetermined level. Thus, the light assembly 200 in this embodimentis not a reset indicator per se.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor circuitry maybe replaced, or augmented by, proximity, motion sensing, or temperaturesensing circuitry. While the sensor circuitry may function as strictlyan ON/OFF control of the nightlight assembly 200, it may also beconfigured to regulate the power to the nightlight such that theluminous intensity is proportional to the incident ambient light.Reference is made to U.S. patent application No. (905P184 CIP1), whichis incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth in itsentirety, for a more detailed explanation of this type of light sensorcircuitry.

Referring to FIG. 14, a schematic of an alternate center night lightcircuit in accordance with the third embodiment of the present inventionis shown. The circuit depicted herein is similar to the one shown inFIG. 13 except that dimmer potentiometer 216 is coupled to a switch S1that is normally in the open position. Switch S1 is coupled in parallelwith transistors Q1 and Q2. When the user goes beyond one of theadjustment limit of potentiometer 216, switch S1 is configured to closeto provide a “full-on” bypass. In this mode, the LEDs are fully litregardless of the intensity of the ambient light.

The dimmer potentiometer 216 is also coupled to a switch S2 that isnormally in the closed position. Switch S2 is connected in series withtransistors Q1 and Q2. When the user adjusts potentiometer 216 beyondthe other adjustment limit of potentiometer 216, switch S2 is configuredto open to provide a “full-off” bypass. In this mode, the LEDs are neverlit regardless of the intensity of the ambient light. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that switch S1 and switch S2 may beused alone or in combination with each other.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of yet another alternate center night lightassembly in accordance with the third embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, light assembly 200 is an “intelligentpilot light,” meaning that more light is emitted in response to agreater amount of room ambient light. Photosensitive device 212 conductsan amount of current governed by the intensity of ambient light. Whenthe intensity of the ambient light increases beyond some preset value,the current propagating through D3 will turn on Q1 and Q2. As a result,diodes D1 and D2 emit light. As the room ambient light increases, Q1 andQ2 are ON for a longer duty cycle and D1 and D2 emit an increasingintensity of light. Dimmer potentiometer 216 allows a user to adjust theintensity of the light emitted by D1 and D2. Switch S1 or S2 may beincluded. They provide a similar functionality to S1 and S2 described inFIG. 20.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a secondary powersource, such as a battery or a charged capacitor, may be disposed withinthe housing 12 as a back-up power source when the primary AC powersource provided by the electrical distribution system has failed.Reference is made to U.S. patent No. (905P 184 CIP1), which isincorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth in itsentirety, for a more detailed explanation of a secondary power source.

Referring to FIG. 16, a perspective view of the fully assembled device10 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention isdisclosed. This view illustrates the novel arrangement of the lightassembly lens 206, indicator lens 152, test button 240, reset button260, and sensor lens 270 within the space between the receptacleopenings 22 in cover 20.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening.

The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serveas a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.,“such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminateembodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on thescope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in thespecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementas essential to the practice of the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There isno intention to limit the invention to the specific form or formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appendedclaims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An electrical wiring device comprising: a housing including aplurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, theplurality of load terminals including a plurality of receptacleterminals; a cover assembly coupled to the housing, the cover assemblyincluding at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on eitherside of a central portion of the cover assembly, each of the at leastone set of receptacle openings being in communication with a portion ofthe plurality of receptacle terminals; a fault detection assemblycoupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuitbeing configured to provide a fault detection output in response todetecting a fault condition; a circuit interrupter coupled between theplurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals, thecircuit interrupter including a first set of contacts configured toprovide at least one electrically continuous path between the pluralityof line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset state,the first set of contacts being configured to disconnect the at leastone electrically continuous path in response to the fault detectionoutput to thereby enter a tripped state; and a light assembly coupled tothe plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals, thelight assembly including a light reflector disposed in the centralportion, a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in the lightreflector, a lens element disposed in the central portion and occupyinga substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly and covering thelight emitting diodes, the light assembly further including a controlcircuit coupled between a hot receptacle terminal and a neutralreceptacle terminal, the control circuit being configured to energizethe light emitting diodes in response to the predetermined stimulus, thelight assembly further including a user accessible control element and adimmer circuit coupled to the user accessible control element and thelight emitting diodes, the dimmer circuit being configured to regulatean intensity of light being emitted by the light emitting diodes.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the fault detection assembly includes aground fault detection circuit, arc fault detection circuit or transientovervoltage detection circuit.
 3. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one protective shutter assembly disposed in thecover assembly between each set of the at least one set of receptacleopenings and the corresponding portion of plurality of receptacleterminals, the at least one protective shutter assembly being configuredto move from a closed position to an open position only in response toengaging a set of plug blades to thereby establish electrical continuitybetween the plurality of receptacle terminals and the set of plugblades.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one protectiveshutter assembly is a frameless shutter assembly comprising a firstshutter member and a second shutter member configured to move from aclosed position to an open position only in response to engaging a setof plug blades having at least one predetermined plug blade geometry. 5.The device of claim 3, wherein the first shutter member and the secondshutter member include shutter features configured to prevent theprotective shutter assembly from being driven from the closed positioninto the open position if only one object is inserted into only onereceptacle opening, or if two foreign objects are inserted into tworeceptacle openings of a set of receptacle openings, or if a set of plugblades that does not have at least one predetermined plug blade geometryis inserted into the set of receptacle openings.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein the light assembly includes a lighting circuit and aplurality of light emitting diodes, the lighting circuit beingconfigured to energize the light emitting diodes when the circuitinterrupter is driven into the reset state.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the light assembly is disposed on a printed circuit board andfurther comprises: a plurality of light emitting diodes; and a controlcircuit coupled to the plurality of receptacle terminals, the controlcircuit being configured to energize the light emitting diodes inresponse to the predetermined stimulus.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the predetermined stimulus is generated by the circuitinterrupter being driven from the tripped state to the reset state. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined stimulus is generatedby the circuit interrupter being driven from the reset state to thetripped state.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the predeterminedstimulus is generated by an ambient light condition.
 11. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the light assembly includes an automatic controlmechanism having an ambient light sensor disposed in the central portionand coupled to a circuit, the circuit being configured to energize aplurality of light emitting diodes in response to detected ambient lightfalling below a predetermined threshold.
 12. The device of claim 11,wherein the automatic control mechanism is configured to regulate anintensity of light emitted by the light assembly in response to thedetected ambient light.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the lightassembly includes an automatic control mechanism having an ambient lightsensor disposed in the central portion and coupled to a circuit, thecircuit being configured to increase an intensity of the light emittedby the light assembly as the intensity of the ambient light decreases.14. The device of claim 1, wherein the light assembly includes anautomatic control mechanism having an ambient light sensor disposed inthe central portion and coupled to a circuit, the circuit beingconfigured to increase an intensity of the light emitted by the lightassembly as the intensity of the ambient light increases.
 15. The deviceof claim 1, further comprising a manual control mechanism comprising: auser accessible control element; and a dimmer circuit coupled to theuser accessible control element and a plurality of light emittingdiodes, the dimmer circuit being configured to regulate an intensity oflight being emitted by the light emitting diodes.
 16. The device ofclaim 15, further comprising: a reflector member disposed in the centralportion, the plurality of light emitting diodes being disposed in thereflector member; and a lens element disposed in the light transmissiveregion covering the reflector member, the lens element being configuredto refract light emitted by the light emitting diodes in accordance witha predetermined pattern.
 17. The device of claim 16, further including aseparator member that divides the housing into two compartments, thereflector member being disposed in the separator member, in the coverassembly, or between the separator member and the cover assembly. 18.The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of load terminals includesa plurality of feed through terminals, and the at least one electricallycontinuous path includes at least one first electrically continuous pathbetween the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of feedthrough terminals and at least one second electrically continuous pathbetween the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of receptacleterminals.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein the circuit interrupterincludes at least one cantilever member aligned in three dimensionalspace with at least one fixed member, the first set of contactsincluding at least one moveable contact disposed on the at least onecantilever member and at least one fixed contact disposed on the atleast one fixed member.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the at leastone cantilever member includes two spaced apart line cantilever memberseach coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of line terminalsand two spaced apart load cantilever members coupled to a correspondingone of the plurality of load terminals.
 21. The device of claim 1,wherein the light assembly includes a light indicator circuit and aplurality of light emitting diodes disposed in series, the lightindicator circuit being energized upon the device being driven into thereset state.
 22. The device of claim 1, wherein the fault detectionassembly further comprises: a fault detection circuit configured todetect the fault condition and transmit a fault detect signal inresponse thereto; an SCR coupled to the fault detection circuit, the SCRbeing turned ON in response to the fault detect signal; and a solenoidcoupled to the SCR, the solenoid providing the fault detection output inresponse to the SCR being ON.
 23. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a trip indicator coupled to the plurality of line terminals,the trip indicator being energized in the tripped state.
 24. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes an ambient light sensorcoupled to a transistor circuit, the transistor circuit being toenergize the light emitting diodes in response to an ambient lightsensor parameter.
 25. The device of claim 1, further comprising a testcircuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality ofload terminals, the test circuit including a user accessible test buttondisposed in the central portion and configured to generate a simulatedfault condition.
 26. The device of claim 25, the test circuit furthercomprising a dual air gap test blade configured to generate thesimulated fault condition in response to an actuation of the testbutton.
 27. The device of claim 25, further comprising a reset mechanismhaving a reset button coupled to the circuit interrupter, the resetbutton being disposed in the central portion and configured to drive thedevice from the tripped state to the reset state to thereby generate thepredetermined stimulus.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the resetbutton, test button and the light transmission region are disposed inthe central portion.
 29. The device of claim 27, wherein the resetbutton and test button have major axes that are normal to each other.30. An electrical wiring device comprising: a housing including aplurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, theplurality of load terminals including a plurality of receptacleterminals; a cover assembly coupled to the housing, the cover assemblyincluding at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on eitherside of a central portion of the cover assembly, each of the at leastone set of receptacle openings being in communication with a portion ofthe plurality of receptacle terminals; a fault detection assemblycoupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuitbeing configured to provide a fault detection output in response todetecting a fault condition; a circuit interrupter coupled between theplurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals, thecircuit interrupter including a first set of contacts configured toprovide at least one electrically continuous path between the pluralityof line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset state,the first set of contacts being configured to disconnect the at leastone electrically continuous path in response to the fault detectionoutput to thereby enter a tripped state, the circuit interrupterincluding at least one cantilever member aligned in three dimensionalspace with at least one fixed member, the first set of contactsincluding at least one moveable contact disposed on the at least onecantilever member and at least one fixed contact disposed on the atleast one fixed member; a light assembly coupled to the plurality ofline terminals or the plurality of load terminals, the light assemblyincluding at least one light device and a lens element disposed in thecentral portion over the at least one light device, the lens elementoccupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly, thelight assembly being selectively driven from a deenergized state to alight emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus; a testcircuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality ofload terminals, the test circuit including a user accessible test buttondisposed in the central portion proximate the and configured to generatea simulated fault condition; and a reset mechanism having a reset buttoncoupled to the circuit interrupter, the reset button being disposed inthe central portion substantially adjacent to the test button andconfigured to drive the device from the tripped state to the reset stateto thereby generate the predetermined stimulus.
 31. The device of claim30, wherein the cover assembly is characterized by a central latitudinalaxis that is substantially parallel to an edge of the lens element, thereset button and the test button being disposed in the central portionon one side of the central latitudinal axis and the lens element beingdisposed on an opposite side of the central latitudinal axis.
 32. Thedevice of claim 31, wherein a major longitudinal axis of the resetbutton is normal to a major longitudinal axis of the test button. 33.The device of claim 1, wherein the fault detection assembly is disposedon a first printed circuit board and the light assembly is disposed on asecond printed circuit board.